Posted by
Sandeep Shande
Posted on
Sunday, April 03, 2011
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We are the world ! Team India did it ..defying all odds(a few) won the cricket world cup - the cup that counts in cricketing annals.
In an evenly fought contest with the Islanders, the captain - Mahi - MSD - Dhoni gave a fitting reply to his critics by delivering with the bat when it mattered the most. In fact, his innings turned out to be the major difference between the two sides.

The winning runs were scored in a handsome fashion i.e with a Sixer. The moment which cricketing fans of India will cherish for lifetime.

Unfortunately, the super century(100th international hundred) from Sachin could not materialize. Anyways, he has now added world cup victory medal in his CV and should be more happy to score super century some other day. After his early dismissal during the chase, the victory was written off by many fans and some had even switched off their TV ! But the silver-lining was that we were not chasing 359 ( 2003 final ).

The victory was a major relief for cricketing fans after the thrashing if final of 2003 and the heartbreaking first round exit of 2007.

Team India created history by bucking it — not once but thrice over. No team had ever won a World Cup on home ground, no side had ever successfully chased a target in excess of 250 in a World Cup final, and no squad had ever won after a player in the opposite side had hit a century in a final. But there’s something about this squad — where previous teams would have crumbled, they soak up pressure and kept on scrapping, which explains why India are now ranked No 1 in both Tests and ODIs.

It was a monster hit, a blow of authority and character and strength, a strike that was quintessential Dhoni. That stroke also signalled the end of an anxious wait dating back to 1983. Who writes Dhoni's scripts ? Dhoni himself, of course.

The calming influence of the captain, the inspirational presence of Tendulkar, the electrifying resurgence of Yuvraj Singh, the continued incisiveness of Zaheer Khan – these were all massive factors that swept the team forward, but this triumph wasn’t a result of occasional individual brilliance. Inevitably, some parts will pull their weight more, but collectively, the sum of the parts contributed to a magnificent whole that gathered unthinkable momentum as the tournament reached its climax.

Gary’s role in all this has been most praiseworthy. He has been a binding force and a catalyst, keeping the team so closely knit. He is at a good wavelength with every member of the team, and it is no coincidence that the performances of all individuals have gone up a notch in the last couple of years, and that includes Sachin.

Today, those who don't know Dhoni too well will hardly remember. What instantly comes to mind is the 183 against Sri Lanka in Jaipur, the century at Faisalabad, many match-saving one-day innings, World Twenty20 win, Chennai Super Kings buying him for a record Rs 6 crore, Champions League triumph, India reaching Number One status in Tests and now winning the World Cup.